Event held in conjunction with World Credit Union Conference in Glasgow, Scotland

MADISON, Wis. — Women credit union leaders from around the world will
convene at this year's Global Women's Leadership Forum, which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, July 23 – 24 in conjunction with World Council of Credit Unions' (WOCCU) World Credit Union Conference.

During the forum, Global Women's Leadership Network members — an international group of proactive, professional credit union women — will discuss challenges facing credit unions and hear from speakers including BBC Radio 4's famous on-air personality Liz Barclay. Barclay is one of the most recognized voices on British radio with her common-sense approach to money and finance on her show You and Yours.

During the only international peer-to-peer exchange in the industry, attendees will share ideas and learn from their counterparts in other credit union movements across the globe. Despite operating in vastly different environments, women in the network face many similar leadership challenges at their credit unions and together find insight and strategic solutions.

"I had the opportunity to network and learn about the successful strategies my peers use to grow their credit unions. The stories shared demonstrate that the credit union philosophy is alive and prospering around the globe," said Winona Nava, CEO of Guadalupe Credit Union in Santa Fe, N.M., USA. "Even though vast distances separate us, we are all united in our desire to improve the lives of our members and our communities. It was remarkable that in spite of our various backgrounds, nationalities and geographic locations, we all share the same struggles as women and as leaders."

The Global Women's Leadership Network, co-founded by WOCCU and the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), is designed to provide women the opportunity and resources to make a measureable difference in each other's lives, as well as in their credit unions and communities. The international network engages members with professional and personal development through social media and educational forums and provides the tools for women to connect and seek confidential advice from their peers.

Women credit union leaders and volunteers can sign up for membership at CUwomen.org. Organizations such as credit unions, service organizations and vendors are also invited to join and may appoint two women leaders to represent their organization. To sign up for the forum, visit www.woccu.org/glasgow2011 or e-mail cuwomen@woccu.org for more ways to get involved.

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 89 countries. Worldwide, 68,882 credit unions in 109 countries serve 235 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.